According to the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) Victoria, Geelong crime rate for the year ending June 2022 was 9506 incidents per 100,000 population. This represents a 4% decrease from the previous year.

Geelong Crime Index

37

(100 is safest)

Safer than 37% of most Australia cities

Geelong Crime Map

Geelong city crime map

Is Geelong Safe?

Geelong has moderate safety metrics. Crime rates in Geelong are quite a bit higher than the average of Australian urban areas. Geelong is safer than 37% of all Australian communities and than 29% of Victoria cities and towns. However, breach family violence order is a common offence in Geelong.

Geelong Crime Statistics at a Glance

Has Crime in Geelong city increased or decreased in the past 5 years? The chart below shows the 60-month historical trend of the number of offences that occurred in Geelong.

60-month trend of criminal incidents across Geelong
  • The number of criminal incidents recorded by Victoria Police in the year 2022 was 17134, down 4% from 17872 incidents recorded in the same period last year.
  • Geelong is in the 29th percentile for safety, meaning 71% of Victoria urban areas are safer than Geelong and 29% of urban areas are more dangerous than Geelong.
  • Common crime: breach family violence order.
  • Safest suburb in Geelong city: St Albans Park suburb.
  • Top areas to avoid in Geelong city (bad areas): Geelong suburb.
  • The number of assault offences recorded in 2022 increased by 6% (99 Incidents) compared to the previous year..
  • The number of deception offences recorded in 2022 decreased by 17% (162 Incidents) compared to the previous year.
  • The number of burglary offences recorded in 2022 increased by 11% (118 Incidents) compared to the previous year.
  • The number of theft offences recorded in 2022 decreased by 5% (266 Incidents) compared to the previous year.
  • The number of robbery offences recorded in 2022 increased by 20% (16 Incidents) compared to the previous year.
  • The number of motor vehicle thefts recorded in 2022 increased by 4% (19 Incidents) compared to the previous year.
  • The number of vandalism offences (Property damage) recorded in 2022 decreased by 5% (82 Incidents) compared to the previous year.

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Crime in Geelong: An In-Depth Analysis

According to AU Crime Rate’s analysis of the latest crime statistics from the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) Victoria, Geelong city is ranked safer than 37% of the cities and towns across Australia, regardless of population size. That means that Geelong crime rate is quite a bit higher than the average of Australian urban areas.

In Victoria, only about 71% of communities have a lower crime rate than Geelong. As a result, Geelong has moderate scores in public safety metrics.

If you are a resident of Geelong city, your chance of becoming a victim of crime is 1 in 15 (based on the total crime rate of crimes against the person and property combined) while the Victoria average is 1 in 19.

Let’s take a closer look at Geelong’s crime statistics and see how it fares in terms of crimes against person and property crimes. This information is crucial because it can shed light on whether violent or property crimes or both, are the primary factors driving Geelong’s overall crime rate. So, are you curious to learn more about Geelong’s crime data and what they reveal about the community’s safety and security? Let’s dive in!

AU Crime Rate’s analysis reveals that against the person crime rate in Geelong is 1628 per one hundred thousand inhabitants while the Victoria average rate is 1247. So, one’s chances of becoming a victim of crimes against the person in Geelong is 1 in 60. The crimes against the person included in this analysis are homicide, assault, robbery, dangerous and negligent acts endangering people, stalking, harassment, and threatening behaviour.

From our analysis, we discovered that your odds of becoming a victim of a property crime, if you live in Geelong, is 1 in 20. This is equal to a rate of 4787 per one hundred thousand residents compared to a rate of 3580 per 100,000 residents for Victoria state. It’s worth mentioning that the property crimes tracked here include theft, burglary, arson, deception, bribery and damage to property.

Want to understand criminal offences in Victoria and make sense of crime data? Our easy-to-understand crime glossary provides definitions for Victoria’s common criminal offences. Check it out and get the inside scoop on crime in Victoria!

Geelong Crime Rates by Offences Division

DivisionNumber of CrimesCrime Rate (Per 100,000 Residents)
Crimes against the person29341628
Property and deception offences86284787
Drug offences794441
Public order and security offences1430793
Justice procedures offences31811765
Other offences16793
Total171349506

Geelong Crimes Against the Person

These are violent crimes against people whether these are family violence or non-family violence. Basically, if someone does something to hurt or scare another person, it’s considered a crime against the person. This includes:

  • Assault and related offences: There are different types of assault, like serious assault, which is when someone causes really serious injuries as a result of a physical attack, and assault on police, emergency services or other authorised officers, which is when someone attacks a cop or a paramedic or someone doing their job. There’s also common assault, which is like when someone threatens to punch you or makes you feel scared for your safety.
  • Robbery: There are two types of robbery or mugging: aggravated and non-aggravated. Aggravated robbery is when someone uses a weapon like a knife or a firearm (armed robbery) or causes serious harm to the victim during the robbery, like hitting them with a bat or a gun. Non-aggravated robbery is when someone doesn’t use a weapon or cause serious harm during the robbery but still uses force or the threat of force to take something from the victim.
  • Dangerous and negligent acts endangering people: These refer to behaviours or actions that put others at risk of harm or injury due to carelessness or recklessness. Examples of dangerous and negligent acts include driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, not properly securing a load on a vehicle that could fall and cause an accident, leaving hazardous materials unattended, and failing to maintain a property in a safe condition.
  • Stalking, harassment and threatening behaviour: This represents harassing or threatening someone based on their race, skin colour, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or disability, in what’s known as hate crimes. It also includes insulting someone, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking.

My Chances of Becoming a Victim of a Crime Against the Person

1 in 60

In Geelong

1 in 78

In Victoria

Crimes Against the Person Comparison (Per 100,000 Residents)

Violent crimes against the person in Geelong city vs Victoria in Australia

Crimes Against the Person: Geelong vs Victoria

Geelong population: 180236

Victoria population: 6503491

CrimesTotal Criminal IncidentsVIC Total Criminal IncidentsCrime Rate (per 100,000 residents)VIC Crime Rate (per 100,000 residents)
Assault and related offences164745391914689
Robbery9823505436
Dangerous and negligent acts endangering people262629314596
Stalking, harassment and threatening behaviour48513324269202

It’s important to note that the crime rates for sexual offences and homicide are not included in the previously mentioned data for Geelong. Here is Victoria’s total data for these offences can be used as a benchmark for comparison.

CrimesVictoria Total Criminal incidentsVIC Crime Rate (Per 100,000 residents)
Homicide and related offences1983
Sexual offences13576206

Geelong Property and Deception Offences

These are crimes related to stealing or damaging property or deceiving someone for personal gain. Property crimes include:

  • Theft: It can be committed in various forms such as shoplifting, stealing from a person’s home, or taking a vehicle without permission. Other examples include stealing a bicycle, snatching a purse, or taking items from an unattended bag.
  • Burglary (unlawful entry): Aggravated and non-aggravated burglaries are examples of burglary. Aggravated burglary involves the use of weapons, threats, or violence during the break-in, while non-aggravated burglary does not involve such factors.
  • Arson: Arson is a criminal act of intentionally setting fire to a property, building, or forest (bushfire)  without lawful or justifiable reason.
  • Property damage: This refers to intentional or accidental harm caused to someone else’s property, such as vandalism, or graffiti.
  • Deception: This is a broad category of offences that includes various examples. These include forgery and counterfeiting, deceptive business practices, professional malpractice and misrepresentation, and other similar offences. Additionally, it includes obtaining benefits by deception, possessing equipment to make a false instrument, and stating false information. All of these crimes involve intentionally deceiving others for personal gain or causing harm to others through fraudulent means.
  • Bribery: Sneaky shortcut to get ahead by taking advantage of someone’s position or power.

My Chances of Becoming a Victim of Property and Deception Offences

1 in 20

In Geelong

1 in 27

In Victoria

Property and Deception Offences Comparison (Per 100,000 Residents)

Property offences in Geelong city vs Victoria

Property and Deception Offences: Geelong vs Victoria, Australia

Geelong population: 180236

Victoria population: 6503491

CrimesTotal Criminal IncidentsVIC Total Criminal IncidentsCrime Rate (Per 100,000 Residents)VIC Crime Rate (Per 100,000 Residents)
Property damage150138352833582
Burglary/Break and enter120229621667449
Theft504113866827972103
Arson6721243732
Deception81727275453414
Bribery0300.05

Here is a breakdown of Geelong crime rate and offences count for the major property and deception offences.

CrimesNo. of offencesRate
Motor vehicle theft514285
Steal from motor vehicle19931106
Steal from retail store770427
Aggravated burglary209116
Non-aggravated burglary993551

Drug Offences

Drug offences are illegal activities involving drugs like possession, trafficking, and manufacturing. It can involve both illicit and legal drugs like prescription medicines used improperly.

Drug Offences Comparison (Per 100,000 Residents)

Drug offences in Geelong city vs VIC

Drug Offences: Geelong vs Victoria

CrimesTotal Criminal IncidentsVIC Total Criminal IncidentsCrime Rate (Per 100,000 Residents)VIC Crime Rate (Per 100,000 Residents)
Drug use and possession66624069370365
Drug dealing and trafficking8937344957
Cultivate or manufacture drugs3717162126
Other drug offences249318

Public Order and Security Offences

Public order and security offences refer to crimes that threaten the safety and security of the community, such as disorderly conduct, possession of illegal weapons, public intoxication, and disturbing the peace. These offences can also include crimes that disrupt the functioning of society, like rioting, protesting without a permit, and obstructing traffic.

Public Order and Security Offences Comparison (Per 100,000 Residents)

Public order and security offences comparison chart

Public Order and Security Offences: Geelong vs Victoria

CrimesTotal Criminal IncidentsVIC Total Criminal IncidentsCrime Rate (Per 100,000 Residents)VIC Crime Rate (Per 100,000 Residents)
Public nuisance offences518391828759
Disorderly and offensive conduct3719174206139
Public security offences137516
Weapons and explosives offences54014941300227

Geelong Crimes per Square KM

Crimes per square km in Geelong city vs VIC

What’s the most common crime in Geelong city?

According to the latest available data from the Crime Statistics Agency of Victoria (CSA), the most common type of crime in Geelong is breach family violence order.

What is the crime rate in Geelong city?

The overall crime rate in Geelong city, as measured by the number of reported offences per 100,000 population was 9506 in the year ending June 2022.

However, it’s important to note that this is an aggregate figure that includes all types of crime, and some types of offences are more prevalent than others. Additionally, crime rates can vary by location, with some areas experiencing higher rates of certain types of crime than others.

Is Geelong city a safe place to live in?

Geelong city is safer than 37% of cities and towns across Australia and the crime rates are quite a bit higher than the average of Australian urban areas. Compared to Victoria cities, Geelong city is safer than 29% of other communities in the state which are considered moderate safety scores in Victoria.

What suburb has the highest crime rate in Geelong city?

Geelong is the suburb with the highest rate of reported criminal incidents in Geelong city with a rate of 52084 incidents per 100,000 population, according to CSA 2022 data. Yet, Geelong suburb is safer than 1% of Victoria suburbs.

What is the safest suburb in Geelong city?

St Albans Park is the safest suburb in Geelong city with a rate of 2964 incidents per 100,000 population as per CSA report. St Albans Park suburb is safer than 29% of Victoria suburbs.

However, it’s important to note that low crime rates do not necessarily guarantee safety, and that crime can occur anywhere, so it’s important to always stay vigilant and take appropriate safety measures.

Geelong Crime Rate by Suburb

Geelong suburbsTotal crimes in 2021Total crime rate in 2021Total crimes in 2022Total crime rate in 2022
Darley39743243263551Bacchus Marsh
Bacchus Marsh1182151156658504Bacchus Marsh
Maddingley27550282765047Bacchus Marsh
Bairnsdale180322927189624110Bairnsdale
Eastwood11339621274453Bairnsdale
Wy Yung964913582968Bairnsdale
Lucknow8659681238536Bairnsdale
East Bairnsdale2481838422616753Bairnsdale
Alfredton57348425874961Ballarat
Wendouree133612831152914685Ballarat
Sebastopol10401022310059879Ballarat
Ballarat East582981066211158Ballarat
Delacombe52597135409991Ballarat
Ballarat Central201537287222341136Ballarat
Brown Hill13530101733857Ballarat
Canadian22755352255486Ballarat
Ballarat North22354992105179Ballarat
Miners Rest10126361062767Ballarat
Buninyong13034561503987Ballarat
Mount Clear19653261594321Ballarat
Winter Valley10630891394050Ballarat
Mount Helen943104993269Ballarat
Redan3861279830810212Ballarat
Lucas7725801314389Ballarat
Lake Wendouree14450172619094Ballarat
Soldiers Hill23985022428609Ballarat
Mount Pleasant20089731787986Ballarat
Golden Point2481118129313210Ballarat
Black Hill13764261346285Ballarat
Newington1307054824449Ballarat
Lake Gardens713962724018Ballarat
Invermay Park653853533142Ballarat
Cardigan373497353308Ballarat
Nerrina575804616212Ballarat
Bonshaw434470687069Ballarat
Mitchell Park961075010511758Ballarat
Eureka5687777511755Ballarat
Magpie318493267123Ballarat
Bakery Hill11667836198115789Ballarat
Kangaroo Flat133511801117310369Bendigo
Golden Square75782247007605Bendigo
Strathfieldsaye20530102083054Bendigo
Kennington44875933485898Bendigo
Strathdale36563643115423Bendigo
Bendigo263846723240142526Bendigo
Eaglehawk53495704648315Bendigo
Maiden Gully15628881863443Bendigo
Epsom33767323486952Bendigo
California Gully393880445010081Bendigo
North Bendigo464108564079523Bendigo
Flora Hill31679182536339Bendigo
Junortoun631641842188Bendigo
White Hills23063362877906Bendigo
Huntly20055851584412Bendigo
Long Gully5651655052815466Bendigo
Spring Gully11136051163767Bendigo
Ascot8533021345206Bendigo
Quarry Hill17474041496340Bendigo
East Bendigo280123841988757Bendigo
Jackass Flat12464961749115Bendigo
Ironbark114974412210427Bendigo
Sailors Gully263495202688Bendigo
West Bendigo4612299369626Bendigo
Big Hill103663103663Bendigo
Golden Gully21100003717619Bendigo
Castlemaine54672525937876Castlemaine
Campbells Creek532551472262Castlemaine
Chewton182335162075Castlemaine
McKenzie Hill14182191170Castlemaine
Colac96210393102611085Colac
Elliminyt942895692125Colac
Colac East1911875127500Colac
Cowes61192815788780Cowes
Silverleaves41223154587Cowes
Highton55726856493129Geelong
Corio255316443245515812Geelong
Belmont1107736610106720Geelong
Grovedale85257137925310Geelong
Armstrong Creek29626284293809Geelong
Newtown58555934514312Geelong
Norlane239827662212024455Geelong
Geelong West66389816689049Geelong
Hamlyn Heights28443472904439Geelong
Mount Duneed14623702073360Geelong
Geelong286549542301252084Geelong
Bell Park46182593596431Geelong
Bell Post Hill30759963416660Geelong
Waurn Ponds28256992515073Geelong
St Albans Park18737961462964Geelong
Newcomb6531391152311142Geelong
East Geelong29272533238023Geelong
Whittington4761197544911296Geelong
Herne Hill21160221534366Geelong
North Geelong7752410663919876Geelong
Lovely Banks13950181515451Geelong
Manifold Heights14052551284805Geelong
Charlemont7930261284902Geelong
Marshall9641941014412Geelong
Wandana Heights381739683112Geelong
Moolap17194271508269Geelong
Thomson2611627236022444Geelong
Fyansford927629978043Geelong
Breakwater1331272712511962Geelong
South Geelong5155078927226824Geelong
Rippleside86854910710636Geelong
Drumcondra7512953488290Geelong
North Shore972984613240615Geelong
Gisborne58858033713661Gisborne
New Gisborne1174674983915Gisborne
Healesville39351704225551Healesville
Badger Creek563500553438Healesville
Heathcote27493172287752Heathcote
Horsham217514380216114288Horsham
Haven392710372571Horsham
Lakes Entrance9731900093418239Lakes Entrance
Kalimna11786991118253Lakes Entrance
Lake Bunga71728122963Lakes Entrance
Macedon11455101426863Macedon
Mount Macedon785376382619Macedon
Harkness70256175834665Melton
Melton South159914078123810900Melton
Brookfield57152954944581Melton
Kurunjang66762265324966Melton
Melton West10291171788410066Melton
Melton218927376197324675Melton
Weir Views28565464169554Melton
Strathtulloh28270202576398Melton
Cobblebank18049992396637Melton
Thornhill Park24479842879391Melton
Mirboo North8738501948584Mirboo North
Baromi2130763922Mirboo North
Paynesville24667562406592Paynesville
Portland128012799118411839Portland (Vic.)
Portland North344809233253Portland (Vic.)
Traralgon404715009342712710Traralgon
Traralgon East17699891066016Traralgon
Wangaratta271014085195110140Wangaratta
Waldara45982299Wangaratta
Warrnambool31511007028579131Warrnambool
Dennington914550723600Warrnambool
Wonthaggi7511440677314828Wonthaggi
North Wonthaggi16246752306638Wonthaggi
South Dudley44104275513033Wonthaggi

Note: This article doesn’t have detailed data for family violence, victims, female offenders, reoffending, sexual offences, stalking, and youth crime. For more information about these topics, check our resources page.

References

  • Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) Victoria
  • Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census QuickStats for all persons
  • Victoria Police

Greater Capital City Statistical Area

Greater Melbourne

State

Victoria